5 simple tips for a safe and stress-free dog at Halloween and beyond
I’m not a fan of Halloween - but I know I’m in the minority. When my sons were growing up I was relieved that our Fulham street seemed to feel the same way and those that didn’t, commuted to roads where it was celebrated. But things have changed and it’s bigger than ever - as I write the houses and front gardens opposite are fully decorated - and it’s still a couple of weeks away. Reg and Bob always look forward to it for foodie reasons only but I will be ensuring they stay safe throughout the festivities.
Keep candles away from dog areas
But with Halloween comes the start of the firework season which in London, continues on a regular basis right up to the New Year. It’s a stressful two months of the year for dogs and owners so it’s important to keep our dogs calm, stress-free and out of danger.
As the owner of dog accessory business Reg&Bob I’m all about keeping things simple and practical (and stylish of course) so here are my five simple tips for a safe and stress-free dog or dogs at Halloween and beyond.
Candles- I love candles but I’m very careful with them - for me it’s all about placing them somewhere safe. I have some shocking stories so my issues are real. Keep candles off the floor and doorstep where your dog will be walking or at the very least protect in a hurricane lamp.
If you are into dressing up your dog at Halloween (it’s definitely not for me) be very aware the synthetic costumes are extremely flammable and low level flames could have terrifying repercussions. Claudia Winkleman’s daughter was very badly burned at Halloween time when her costume caught on a doorstep candle and dogs could equally be at risk. Reg and Bob’s approach to (what I consider) dangerous is a worry - add in the option of food then I know they will not be worrying about hazards. You’ve only got to watch Reg rubbing along the newly painted skirting board in his hurry to answer the door and you realise that most dogs think of their stomachs before their safety.
2. Noise. This is the season for noise and more especially fireworks and it just doesn’t stop where we live. Reg and Bob are unfussed about fireworks at the moment but I do know from our previous dog that the fear can kick in at any time, so we do everything we can to protect them from them.
A typical reaction to fireworks is often trembling, pacing and hiding and so even if your dog’s reaction is less aggressive than to other noise, it doesn’t mean it isn’t frightened.
Turn the TV or music on and muffle outside sound where possible. Spotify and YouTube have lots of calming music for dogs and Classic FM play soothing music for dogs on firework night.
Cosy up
Cosy up with your dog - even loosely swaddling a dog if they will tolerate it and keep everything relaxed and comforting. I often use the a spray such as For All DogKind’s calming spray for anxious dogs on their coat and bed just to help with the relaxation.
3. Safety gates and barriers. Constant doorbell ringing at Halloween can be very unnerving for your dog. It’s better to separate them from the front door to prevent them running out or being distressed by the endless interruptions or the unusual sights on the other side of the door! We use an extendable barrier to keep Reg and Bob safely away from the front door. You can read more about safety gates and barriers in my blog on New Puppy kit
Just for the children Photo credit Denny Müller
4. Sweets Halloween is all about sweets - they are everywhere! If children aren’t knocking on doors trick or treating, they are collecting the goodies from ‘help yourself” bowls left on doorsteps -an opportunity Reg and Bob wouldn’t want to miss out on given the chance.
I don’t know if it’s just where we live but the pavements are rich pickings during Halloween - infact all the time!! Chocolate, raisins or any foods with sugar substitute xylitol (often used in peanut butter) are extremely dangerous for dogs. Reg and Bob with their super powerful sense of smell have no qualms where they go in search of food regardless of whether the sweets were destined for children. Pavement foraging is definitely to be avoided at Halloween - there’s nothing like a pavement the morning after the night before!
Fun distraction games
5. Boredom -The best way to keep a dog calm and safe is distraction. A busy dog will be less easily worried about noise and considerably happier with all the attention too.
Walk dogs before the main event particularly if there is a local firework display. Provide lots of entertainment to distract them. A filled Kong, a long lasting chew, interspersed with enrichment exercises will keep them focused on the rewards rather than what is happening outside.
However you celebrate the Autumn festivities - enjoy - as your celebrations will be all the better for keeping your dog safe and happy.